My family has type 1 diabetes, but when it comes to overnight hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the similarity ends there. My mom's blood sugar level drops about 100 mg/dl overnight, so she makes sure her blood glucose level is around 180 mg/dl before hitting the pillow. My brother's blood sugar level never drops overnight; in fact, it oddly begins a steady rise upon awakening. Go figure. My dad has had many bouts with nighttime hypoglycemia and he often eats his favorite diabetic snack bar formulated to prevent a serious drop.

If there is one thing I have learned, diabetes is a complex disease and no diabetic is alike.

Diabetic snack bars is a growing market, with some designed to prevent hypoglycemia and others to reduce hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Here is an article highlighting recommendations from diabetes specialists, along with a short list of products.

Snack bars with uncooked cornstarch (UCS), a slowly absorbed complex carbohydrate, aim to prevent hypoglycemia as the carbs act as a steady source of glucose. They are a good fit for diabetics on intensive insulin therapy with good control (more susceptible to hypoglycemia); as a bedtime snack; to avoid low blood glucose after consuming alcohol; or for those with hypoglycemia unawareness. Check out ExtendBar. My internet search uncovered Gluc-O-Bar and Nite Bites are no longer available.

Resitant starches and fiber reside in snack bars marketed to reduce hyperglycemia, as they dull the postprandial (after meal) glycemic response. They can be used to help prevent daytime hyperglycemia and are not suitable as nighttime snacks. Suggestions include Choice DM, Choice DM Crispy Bars or Ensure Glucerna.

It is important to note diabetic snacks bars should NOT be used to treat hypoglycemia, they do not act quickly enough. Pssst ... my dad loves those wild berry ExtendBars.